Tulare Man Convicted On 12 Counts of Child Molestation
On Monday, January 29, 2024, in Department 6 of the Tulare County Superior Court, Visalia Division, a Tulare County jury found James Mills, age 59, guilty of eleven counts of lewd act upon a child under the age of fourteen and one count of attempted lewd act upon a child under the age of fourteen. Mills admitted the special allegation of substantial sexual conduct. Each count is a felony and considered strike offenses.
The crimes were committed between May 1, 2017, and April 14, 2021, against a female victim, who was between the ages of ten and thirteen at the time of the sexual assaults. After being found guilty, Mills admitted the sentencing enhancement that he is now considered a habitual sexual offender. Mills possesses a 1999 child molestation conviction for which he was sentenced to 8 years in prison and was required to register as a sex offender.
All the sexual assault crimes occurred in the City of Tulare and surrounding area. Sentencing is set for April 3, 2024, in Department 6 of the Tulare County Superior Court, Visalia Division, where Mills faces over 550 years to life in state prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Chelsea Wayt and investigated by Corporal Jose Esparza of the Tulare Police Department.
Media inquiries can be directed to the Office of the District Attorney, County of Tulare Chief Deputy District Attorney Dave Alavezos (559) 636-5494